Time sequencers and connectors

• We use time sequencers and connectors to show the order of events and explain reasons or results. They help us tell a clear story about how we met someone.
• Connector
• Function
• Example
• First / Then
• To show the order of actions
• First, we talked in Boston. Then, we went to New York.
• When / While
• To show time and interrupted actions
• I saw her when she arrived. She was reading while I waited.
• So / Because
• To show result and reason
• I was late because my flight from Chicago was delayed, so I ran.
• Although
• To show an unexpected contrast
• Although we were tired, we stayed at the party in Seattle.
• Remember
• Use 'first' and 'then' to put events in chronological order.
• Use 'because' to introduce a reason and 'so' to introduce a result.
• Use 'although' at the beginning or middle of a sentence to show a contrast.
• Use 'while' for a longer action in the past continuous.
• Examples
• First, I met Mark in Denver, and then we had coffee.
• She called me because she missed her flight from Atlanta.
• Although it was raining in London, we walked in the park.
• I was waiting for my luggage while my friend was buying tickets.
• Common mistakes
• I was happy because so she smiled.
• I was happy so she smiled.
• Although he was nervous, but he asked her out.
• Although he was nervous, he asked her out.

Complete the sentences

• I bought tickets to Chicago, (so) ____ we travelled together.
• She was reading a book (while) ____ I was waiting in New York.
• (first) ____ , we met at a cafe in Boston, and then we went to a museum.
• He asked her out (because) ____ he liked her smile.
• (although) ____ they were tired, they went to the party in Seattle.
• We talked for an hour, (then) ____ we exchanged numbers.

Sources: photo by jessica olivella on Pexels